Cyclone Amphan has left 72 people dead and thousands homeless in West Bengal, battering several parts of the state and washing away bridges and swamping low-lying areas. On the other hand, the cyclone has also wreaked havoc in Odisha damaging power and telecom infrastructure in several coastal districts.

Notably, this will be PM Modi’s first visit outside the national capital after coronavirus lockdown was imposed on the midnight of March 24.

As per updates, PM Modi would first reach West Bengal in the morning and then go to Odisha in the afternoon.

Expressing concern over the damage caused in the states by the severe cyclonic storm Amphan, PM Modi, earlier in the day, said his thoughts are with the people of Odisha and West Bengal at this time.

“Have been seeing visuals from West Bengal on the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan. In this challenging hour, the entire nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal. Praying for the well-being of the people of the state. Efforts are on to ensure normalcy,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

In another tweet he had said, “My thoughts are with the people of Odisha as the state bravely battles the effects of Cyclone Amphan. Authorities are working on the ground to ensure all possible assistance to those affected. I pray that the situation normalises at the earliest.”

After making landfall, the severe cyclonic storm Amphan devastated two districts completely in West Bengal.

The fiercest cyclone to hit West Bengal in 100 years destroyed mud houses and crops, and uprooted trees and electric poles. Odisha government officials estimated it has affected around 44.8 lakh people in the state.

“So far as per the reports we have received, 72 people have died in the state due to Cyclone Amphan. Two districts North and South 24 Parganas are completely devastated. We have to rebuild those districts from scratch. I would urge the Central government to extend all help to the state,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a press briefing.

She said she will visit the affected areas very soon and added that the restoration work will start soon. “A large part of North and South 24 Parganas and Kolkata are facing massive power cut since last evening. Even telephone and mobile connections are down,” she said.

The Bengal chief minister also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh for the family members of each of the deceased.

On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his West Bengal counterpart Banjerjee, and assured them of all central help.